THREE inspectors are being axed under changes being made to the management of local policing in West Lancashire, South Ribble and Chorley.

The departures mean Insp Sue Swift’s responsibilities will now also cover West Lancashire. Insp Steve Evans will take on the role in South Ribble and Insp David Robinson will oversee policing in Chorley.

The changes are as a result of a review of the management structure in Southern Division, carried out as part of the Constabulary’s efforts to save £43.75m over the four years. The restructure has seen the number of geographic inspectors – responsible for uniformed police officers in a specific area and who oversee the day-to-day policing, targeting of prolific offenders and reducing and detecting crime – reduce from six to three, meaning they will each cover a larger area than previously.

Divisional Commander for Southern Division, Ch Supt Stuart Williams, said: “These changes come as part of a Force-wide review, which has given us the opportunity locally to change the way we manage what we do. We are confident the restructure will continue to meet the needs of the public of Lancashire whilst providing a more cost-effective model.’’

The force has already identified savings of more than £41m, largely through reductions to non frontline services, and is now considering options to find the remaining money.